Lead Service Lines in Fargo, North Dakota
What you need to know
The City of Fargo serves about 120,762 people. Like many older water systems across the US, Fargo's pipes may include lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes and buildings.
Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or corrosive water. Infants, children under six, and pregnant people are at highest risk for health effects from lead exposure.
Fargo's inventory status
As of now, Fargo has not yet completed a full public inventory of lead service lines in the system. No data is currently available on how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines exist in the city.
The Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allocated funding for lead pipe replacement nationwide. It's important to know whether Fargo has received or applied for this funding, and what their timeline is for identifying and replacing lead service lines.
What this means for your home
You may have a lead service line if your house was built before the 1980s, or if you live in an older neighborhood. The only way to know for sure is to:
- Contact the City of Fargo Water Utility directly and ask about your service line material.
- Request your specific address's service line history if it's available.
Even if you have a lead service line, you can reduce risk by:
- Running cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking.
- Using a certified lead filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) on your drinking water tap.
- Having your water tested if you're concerned.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Fargo Water Utility to ask about your home's service line material and the city's replacement timeline.
- Request updates on when the full inventory will be public.
- Get your water tested through a certified lab if you have young children or are pregnant—your water utility can recommend local options.
- Check the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure in your home.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Fargo have lead in the water?
Lead gets into water through old pipes, not the water source itself. Fargo has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines. Contact the City of Fargo Water Utility to find out if your specific home has a lead service line.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call the City of Fargo Water Utility with your address and ask about your service line material. They may have records or can help you check. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead pipes.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Fargo?
Fargo's tap water meets federal safety standards. However, if you have a lead service line or old plumbing, lead can enter the water inside your home. If you're concerned, get your water tested and use a certified lead filter on your kitchen tap.
When will Fargo replace lead service lines?
Fargo has not yet published a public replacement plan. Contact the city's water utility to ask about their timeline and whether they've applied for federal funding to replace lead pipes.